At Elle Bee we always aim to provide a simple, enjoyable and stress-free experience for your invitations and stationery. This guide outlines the ordering process along with an array of colours and materials to make your stationery truly yours.
We do recognise that there are a lot of options available so if you have any questions or need help, please contact us. You also have the option of booking in for a free, no-obligation consultation if required which you can do here.
When to order
Timings can differ from couple to couple but we'd recommend the following as a general rule of thumb. If you're in a pinch then we do offer a fast-track service which reduces proofing and production time significantly. Please contact us for more details if required.
Save the Dates
Order 2-3 weeks before sending
We'd typically suggest save the dates are sent to your guests with around 12-18 months before the wedding day, allowing guests to make initial arrangements to attend.
We'd usually suggest leaving a little extra time if opting for foil press or letterpress save the dates.
Invitations
Order 4-6 weeks before sending
Whilst it can fluctuate, the average turnaround time for invitations from end-to-end is around 3-4 weeks.
Unlike save the dates where information is minimal, invitations can be formed of a lot of pieces, handmade elements and information, so we'd always advise leaving enough time. And if opting for foil press or letterpress, leave a little longer to be sure.
Day Stationery
Order 6-8 weeks before wedding day
It may be the case that you only need a piece or two of on-the-day stationery but whether it's a simple requirements or a full set of items, we'd suggest ordering no later than 6-8 weeks before the day.
This will ensure that we have enough wiggle room to make late-notice changes before we go to print but we'd suggest signing off no closer than 2 weeks to your wedding day
Order Process
We have intentionally made the process as streamlined and simple as possible to ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience. All orders go through the following timeline.
1. Place your Order
All orders are placed directly on our website by configuring your chosen options and making payment. No wording is collected when you're placing the order.
We will email you within 24-48 hours of you placing your order with a request for the wording and details required relating to the order you've placed.
2. Proofing
Upon receipt of your details we will prepare an initial digital proof for you to review. This will be completed within 5 business days.
We include two revision rounds beyond the initial draft so we can be sure that we've corrected any errors or stylistic adjustments. At the end of this process we will get you to sign off your proofs ready for production.
3. Production
Once proofs have been approved we will move your order into our production queue to be completed.
The length of time taken can vary dependent on a number of factors, such as the printing method used and how many handmade elements are included. Most orders are completed within 1-2 weeks but allow longer for foiling and letterpress.
4. Delivery
Upon completion of your order we will check and carefully pack for dispatch.
All orders are sent using a tracked courier service with a 48 hour turnaround time. If you're local to our Worcestershire studio then you have the option of collecting from us during studio hours.
Printing Methods
At Elle Bee we're proud to keep all production work in-house including specialist finishes. This ensures that all work goes through our stringent quality control whilst keeping turnaround times to a minimum.
Digital Printing
Production time: 1-2 weeks
Digital printing is the simplest and most economical method of printing, with traditional printing of black, colour and unique white ink on darker shades. Our house collections are all digitally printed.
Foil Press
Production Time: 2-3 weeks
Exclusively for designs in our Artisan collection, foil pressed invitations and stationery require the engraving of a metal plate which is then heated and pressed into cardstock individually with foil.
Letterpress
Production Time: 2-3 weeks
Similar to foil press, letterpress requires the making of bespoke plates which are then pressed into cardstock individually for a deep, luxurious impression using traditional ink.
Cardstock and Paper Colours
Quality materials are hugely important to us. Over the years we've refined our selection to ensure that no matter which colour(s) you choose, you'll be receiving stationery that uses the highest quality materials which we've extensively vetted and tested.
Colours marked with an asterisk(*) are available in a cardstock weight only, so aren't available as belly bands, envelopes, or envelope liners.
Handmade Paper & Envelopes
Used exclusively with our Artisan collection of foil pressed and letterpress stationery, our handmade paper offers beautiful shades and a unique, tactile style with a naturally torn edge.
Our Artisan collection also offers single- and double-thick white cotton cardstock, perfect for a deep, luxurious impression.
White
Beige
Blush
Earth
Clay
Muted Sage
Sage
Forest Green
Light Blue
Dusky Blue
Dark Blue
Black
Wax Seals
Handmade in our Worcestershire studio, we offer a variety of wax colours as shown below. You can choose from a decorative unpersonalised design, or a personalised engraved monogram in three different shapes.
Crema
Antique Copper
Blush
Antique Gold
Prosecco
Champagne
White
Buttercream
Silver
Mulberry
Vintage Rose
Dusty Rose
Peony Pink
Lavender
Clay
Black
Carbon
Thyme
Linen
Sitka
Sequoia
Navy Blue
Dusty Blue
Baby Blue
Wax Seal Shapes
Circle
Oval
Square
House Designs
Baroque
Canopy
Daisy
Eucalyptus
Fern
Fleur-de-Lis
Foliage
Garden
Holly
Lily
Palm
Rose
Snowdrop
With Love
Wreath
Personalised Monogram Designs
Alice
Bond Street
Eloise
Finsbury
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Henley
Newbury
Sophia
Vellum Jackets
We offer unprinted transparent vellum jackets with our invitation suites and concertinas in our house collections. For designs in our Artisan collection of foil press and letterpress invitations, the following fine art jackets are available.
Abigail
Alice
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Eloise
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Heather
Lara
Riya
Sophia
Victoria
Violetta
Envelope Liners
Much like vellum jackets, we offer plain coloured envelope liners for our house collections. If choosing stationery from our Artisan collection then you can opt for the same fine art designs for your envelope liners.
Abigail
Alice
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Eloise
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Heather
Lara
Riya
Sophia
Victoria
